Apple removes VPN apps in China App Store amidst government pressure

Amidst intense pressure from the government, Apple has begun removing VPN (Virtual Private Networks) apps from the Chinese App Store. It’s a common knowledge that internet censorship is strongest in the third largest economy in the world, with many users, may it be locals or expats, relying on VPN apps to be able to communicate with the outside world.

VPN is used by users to access blocked sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. This only does not affect individual users. Even foreign companies operating in China, with data servers outside the country, will be affected by this latest move of censorship by the Chinese Government.

The VPN block movement was first reported by Bloomberg earlier this month, with Beijing strongly denying such claims. It’s yet to be determined if Google will also follow suit.